Bhubaneswar: The countdown to the 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela began with the ceremonial flagging off of a publicity chariot from Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The event was inaugurated by Minister of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradip Bal Samant, who attended as the chief guest.
The colourful chariot will tour major cities including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Sambalpur and Berhampur, spreading awareness about the upcoming fair. The mela will be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from February 14 to 26, showcasing
Odisha’s rich tradition of handlooms, handicrafts and indigenous products. This year’s theme ‘Swadeshi and Self-Reliance’, highlights the importance of promoting local artisans and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.
A total of 840 stalls will be set up, providing a grand platform for handloom, handicraft, and indigenous products from across the state and beyond.
Padma awardees Prabhakar Maharana and Iliana Citaristi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, Director of Handlooms and Textiles Prem Chandra Choudhury, Director of Handicrafts Nibedita Prusti, Additional Secretary Pratap Chandra Hota, Managing Director of Serifed and Additional Secretary Vikramaditya Barik, Member Secretary of SIDAC Chinmayee Bishwal, Deputy Secretary Subrata Kumar Behera, along with other departmental officers, were present at the flagging-off ceremony.
The mela is organised by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department.